Hello and welcome to the e-portfolio I crafted as my culminating experience for San José State University’s Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program. Although at times this e-portfolio and its creation was a daunting process, I remain staunchly grateful for the opportunity to meaningfully reflect on what I have learned throughout this degree. It can be difficult to appreciate the big picture when mired down in demanding and hyper-focused course work, in addition to life’s other responsibilities; this reflective project provided me with a unique chance to step back and connect the new knowledge I accumulated along the way to the essential tenets that underlie the professional field of information. As such, each of the explored competencies represent a personal interpretation of how my acquired comprehension relates to the larger themes that are found within the world of libraries and information. This introduction page serves to shine light upon the process that I undertook to produce the final iteration of the e-portfolio, as well as how this project is organized and structured. The other main elements of this portfolio can be found along the left navigational toolbar and include the following:

• Competencies – all fifteen pages found within this section display the bulk of the work completed; each competency includes a statement of competency presentation, as well as corresponding evidence that proves my ability to connect personal course work and understanding to the over-arching ideas of the program
• Conclusion – a final reflection on the MLIS program, in which I include the strengths that I bring into the profession, as well as rudimentary plans for future career development and growth
• Affirmation – this statement confirms and declares that all work presented in this e-portfolio constitutes my own original work, except in cases of group work, which has been clearly indicated

To successfully develop this experiential assignment, I started early in the program; by the end of my first semester, I was making regular use of the student success planner provided by the iSchool and I routinely reviewed the competencies when selecting classes. Through this, I ensured that I was not only choosing courses and assignments that reflected my own professional interests, but that I was adequately preparing myself to satisfy all the core components of the program. Additionally, I kept a detailed record of any experience or project outside of course work that could further serve to substantiate my understanding of the competencies. These are further explicated under the “Competency Development” section on each competency page. I also found it useful to connect with fellow students throughout the program who were working on their e-portfolios. I was able to hear first-hand, the value of preparing in advance and being organized throughout the process. Furthermore, I made use of a consistent file naming scheme to make all my course work easy to locate within clearly labeled folders. These steps allowed for me to smoothly and seamlessly proceed with the e-portfolio development.

As a student, I am much more successful when I know where exactly I am headed and the steps I need to take to get there. I also do well when my learning is supplemented with a concrete framework, such as the competencies outlined by the iSchool. Working through and guided by these core areas of the information field, while being keenly aware of the actions needed to generate this e-portfolio, allowed me to create something that I take great pride in. I feel better equipped and confident to enter the field of library and information work after completing this all-encompassing assignment. This elucidation of the significant principles and topics in the information world serves as a concerted, eager, and wholehearted foray into the profession. 

Last Revised 11/02/2018 9:07 AM